Page 16 of Lady Edith and the Registry Office
When finished, the other girl grinned. “That’s one employer sorted. On to the next!”
* * * * *
Nathaniel could havesent a maid to collect Alicia, but he chose to call for his sister at the registry since he was at loose ends. Ashford was busy with his new bride, and Cecil was rarely home due to his preoccupation with the Rogue’s Alliance.
Although the office was now closed to clients, Mrs. Stafford spied him through the window and let him into the lobby.
“Good afternoon, my lord.”
He replied cheerfully, “Good afternoon, Mrs. Stafford. I’m here to collect my sister.”
“She and Lady Edith have been toiling away. Hard at work, they are. Lady Diana has already gone home for the day.”
Despite what was most likely a crowded lobby earlier in the day, the room was as neat as a pin. Had Mrs. Stafford been married to a navy man? She appeared to run a tight ship.
One of the male employees, Taylor, a former Seaman, exited the kitchen and raised a hand in greeting.
“Good afternoon, Lord Harbury.”
“Good afternoon, Taylor. How do you enjoy working at the registry?”
“It is rewarding work, my lord. And living upstairs is a boon. I’ve never been so comfortable in all my days.” The man’s Scouse accent informed all who heard him that he hailed from Liverpool.
He added, “Thank you for taking this job. You were quite popular on theCressy.”
“As were you, my lord.”
“That is kind of you to say,” he replied quickly, uncomfortable with the praise.
Nathaniel knocked at the office door before opening it.
“Brother!” Alicia welcomed him with a wide smile.
He returned the smile with a glance at Lady Edith, who looked up and nodded a greeting. Her lips curved into a soft smile, and he felt warmth in his limbs. He returned his gaze to his sister and asked, “How was your afternoon?”
“Splendid! Lady Edith and I have had a marvelous day.”
He took a few steps closer and looked at the lady in question.
“A busy one, at least,” Lady Edith replied wryly. “I don’t know how sitting here looking through ledgers can be exhausting, but it is.”
“Do say you will attend Lady Cairs’ dinner party this evening. There are few entertainments now that the season is over, and I would love to see you there.” Alicia’s tone of voice was coaxing.
He hadn’t realized Lady Edith was invited to the dinner party. Nathaniel endeavored to merely show polite interest in the lady’s response to his sister’s plea as he breathed in the orange blossom scent Lady Edith wore.
The lady replied, “I shall attend with Lord and Lady Ashford. My father is otherwise engaged this evening.”
Alicia stood up from her chair and clapped her hands. “Excellent! Let us hurry along, Nathaniel. I should like to rest before we dress for dinner.”
He nodded to Edith. “Until this evening.”
The lady murmured a response, her gaze on his face more intent than he was used to. She appeared to be searching for something in his expression.
Surely not. The lady had shown little interest in him before now. To imagine anything else was purely wishful thinking.
* * * * *
Edith contemplatedLord Harbury’s personality as she dressed for dinner. Was he faking cheeriness? The barondidlook happy whenever he glanced at his sister; you could see true affection between the siblings. Curiosity about the baron's temperament warred with the knowledge that she shouldn't engage him in conversation merely to study him.
